I’ve leaned towards a funk style for these examples – this makes it easier to focus on the rhythmic element – but the kind of funk I’m referencing is ‘old-school’ R&B/Motown.

Rhythmic drum patterns with a balance of rhythmic predictability and complexity may influence our desire to dance and enjoy the music.

The foundation of funk music fuses the unique rhythmic pattern employed by African-American jazz marching bands returning from a New Orleans funeral – known as the “second line” because of the ...